502 



GROWING GRAPES 



If the location is steep and uneven, then the contour of the 

 ground must be followed, but it is a serious question whether 

 vineyards in the future should be planted on such fields, where 

 the cost of every operation is greatly increased. 



Many persons get their impressions of American grape 

 growing, or viticulture, from pictures of the steep, vineclad 

 slopes of the Ptiver Rhine. AVe are dealing here, however, with 

 an extensive method of management, where labor costs are at a 

 maximum, and the efficient use of machines is indispensable 

 to a high measure of success. 



In large plantings, provide driveways at convenient inter- 

 vals across the field so that it is not necessary to go to the end 

 of the rows to take out a load of fruit or to refill the spray tank. 

 Headlands adequate for turning beyond the end posts are 

 necessary. 



(6) Marking out Rows, Turn right angles where necessary 

 as indicated in the chapter, '^Establishing the Orchard." Plow 

 out the rows the long way of the field, setting enough stakes 

 for the driver to use in sighting. The cross-rows may also be 

 plowed, or located with a marker, or a light stick of the proper 

 length may be carried from vine to vine as planting progresses. 

 Reasonably straight cross-rows are desirable because they 

 make possible cultivation both ways until the trellis is up. 

 They will not be obtained on large areas unless marked out 

 in advance of planting. 



Crooked rows with vines out of place are a great nuisance 

 in all tillage operations. Exposed vines are sure to be torn 

 out or seriously injured by tillage implements. It is a con- 

 tinual game of hide and seek to avoid them. The wires of 

 the trellis cannot be properly tightened, and the net loss of 

 eflSciency is considerable. 



(c) Setting the Plants. Plant in gangs of two persons. 

 One of these may be a boy or girl, since the work is not heavy 

 if the rows have been plowed out. Carry the plants with the 

 roots immersed in a pail of water or covered with a blanket. 

 The hole may be quickly finished with a shovel by one member 



